The Linkage between Good Governance, Literacy and Community Forestry

Governance is the term given to the systems, methods and processes adopted for institutional management, be it in a family, a group, an organization, a society or a country. A particular system, process or method of governance can be perceived as being good or bad depending on the results it produces. A system, process or method based on the democratic values of equality and inclusion is known as good governance. It follows that "good" governance is considered to have "good" results. In particular, it ensures that resources are distributed in an equitable and just way. If governance methods, processes and systems are ineffective or even harmful, this is considered to be " bad" governance.

In the context of community forestry, promoting good governance means to improve the way local groups and organizations function, ensure there is stakeholders participation in decision making processes, promote transparency in financial and managerial actions, help establish public institutions that are accountable to the interests of the people and enhance the credibility of public interest organizations and their employees.

In the context of the SAGUN Program, the REFLECT method-based classes that have been supported are called GLC since their purpose is to empower the women to ensure the rights and the process of achieving the entitled rights through advocacy and good governance. At the same time, Literacy classes expect to contribute to the women making capable in advocating for and establish systems of good governance including democratic and inclusive forest managemnt with equitable benefit sharing.